Head of Project Management, Engineering

franke • Smyrna, TN

1d

About The Position

In our Franke Foodservice Systems division, we are looking for a strategic and inspiring Head of Project Management, Engineering to help transform how new products are developed and launched across our global organization. This is far more than a traditional project management role. You will personally lead high-impact New Product Development initiatives from concept through launch while building and elevating our global Project Management Center of Excellence. As a trusted leader, you will guide project managers across multiple regions, establish best-in-class methodologies, develop talent, and drive alignment across engineering, marketing, operations, and supply chain teams worldwide. You will create the frameworks, governance models, and capabilities that ensure consistent execution of our innovation pipeline while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration. If you are a hands-on leader who thrives on delivering results, influencing across organizations, and developing high-performing teams, you'll find a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact at Franke. You combine strategic thinking with a passion for execution. You are an experienced project management leader who knows how to navigate complexity, inspire teams, and turn ambitious ideas into successful outcomes. Your ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and develop people sets you apart, while your drive for excellence helps raise the standard for everyone around you. In return, you'll have the opportunity to lead globally visible initiatives, shape organizational capabilities, and contribute directly to the future success of Franke's innovation strategy.

Requirements

• Advanced Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
• Basic Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Proficient in administering Phase Gate project management methodology.
• Intermediate Skills - Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, order processing systems, project management related systems.
• Attention to detail, Problem Solving, Customer Service, Teaming, Technical Learning, Time Management, Conflict Management, Process Management, Written Communications, Negotiating, Organizational & Multi-tasking, knowledge of MEP trades from basic to advanced.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 8–12+ years of experience in project management, with a strong focus on New Product Development.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex, NPD projects.
• Experience in developing and implementing project management frameworks and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and align cross-functional, multicultural teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Personally lead and deliver high-impact, complex NPD projects from concept to launch.
• Ensure projects are executed on time, within scope, and aligned with business objectives.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across engineering, marketing, operations, and supply chain teams.
• Lead, develop and manage team of project managers and project management professionals across multiple locations in Americas.
• Establish clear performance expectations, objectives, and development plans for team members while promoting accountability and collaboration.
• Drive workforce planning, inclusive and collaborative team culture across diverse geographies, time zones and cultures.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching and mentoring and support career development for direct and indirect reports.
• Build leadership strength and succession plans within the project management organization.
• Manage hiring, onboarding, retention, and talent development activities for the project management team.
• Identify and mitigate risks, resolve issues proactively, and ensure strong governance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Define, implement, and continuously improve standardized NPD project management methodologies, tools, and systems under the one Product Development umbrella.
• Establish scalable frameworks, templates, and KPIs to ensure consistent project execution globally.
• Drive adoption of best practices and ensure alignment with organizational goals and innovation strategies.
• Lead digitalization, system enhancements, and reporting related to NPD project management.
• Align and harmonize project management practices across regions and business units.
• Ensure consistent application of governance, reporting, and performance metrics worldwide.
• Act as the central point of coordination for global NPD project management efforts.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and cross-regional collaboration.
• Establish and grow a global Center of Excellence for NPD project management.
• Define standards, governance models, and competency frameworks for project managers.
• Promote a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and accountability.
• Design and deliver training programs for new and existing project managers in Franke Food Service Systems methodologies and practices.
• Create certification and onboarding programs to ensure consistent skill development.
• Serve as a thought leader and internal expert for the engineering project management team.
• Benchmark against industry best practices and integrate learnings into the organization.
• Reliable attendance is a must.
• Some travel may be necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Free, On-Site Medical Clinic
• Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Vision, Dental, and More) starting day 1
• Free life insurance
• 401k match up to 4%
• Paid time off and 11 holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager